Pregnancy Health & Fitness

Will Mozart music make your baby smarter? The Mozart effect is a theory originally developed by Alfred A. Tomatis in the 1950s. Tomatis, a French otolaryngologist, claimed that listening to Mozart music in D major while the baby i...

Sometimes you want to be sure about your conception date. Of course, the primary reason for most women to need the answer is to estimate the due date of the baby. But there can be other issues at play, such as when a woman has had...

A new test looks very promising for allowing a better indication of whether the child being carried has a chromosomal abnormality such as Down syndrome. This test is called cell-free DNA test, or cfDNA test, and looks at the bits...

For expectant mothers suffering from depression and anxiety, exercise is probably the last thing you want to worry about. However, movement is actually proven to improve your mood during pregnancy. Studies have shown that exercisi...

Doctors have an obligation to inform patients of risks associated with prescriptions, but they can't stay up to date on every research paper and FDA warning. Sometimes, a research study links a drug to serious side effects after i...

According to a press release issued December 3, 2014, The Food and Drug Administration has issued new labeling guidelines for drugs used during pregnancy and lactation that replaces the old letter system that went A, B, C, D and X...

The Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists issued this fourth edition this past January and recommend pregnant omen be screened by the health care provider in early prenatal care by asking them about previous chickenpox or...

A commonly held belief about a woman's immune system being weaker during pregnancy, and therefore, increasing her risk from the flu has come under fire after recent research out of Stanford Univers
A report published in the Septe...

A new study published in Environmental Research shows that those exposed to high levels of air pollution contribute to congenital defects. The study was led by researchers Professor Liat Lerner-Geva of TAU's Sackler Faculty of Med...

A new study out of Michigan State University gives hope that children who weigh in at the low end of the scale may not have increased risks of hypertension later in life, if mom is physically active in pregnancy, particularly in t...

It's become a milestone of pregnancy, the moment when you see baby on a screen and have an image to take home and share with family and friends. These first baby pics are supposed to be medically necessary, to check on the baby's...

With your second pregnancy, you may feel a bit more at ease about expecting a baby. After all, you have been there, done that. Second pregnancies differ from first in some ways, and all pregnancies are unique in some ways.
Timing...

With the United States facing a shortage of ob-gyns, the need for midwives has increased and may present solutions for the shortage.
However, it's important to understand the training, background and legalities of the different...

Researchers from Columbia University have a new study in the International Journal of Obesity connecting the use of antibiotics during pregnancy with later obesity in the child.
A previous study found a link between a mother's a...

Everyone knows having a baby can be a real pain, and for many women, the pain is primarily in the lower back or in the pelvic area.
What is a Maternity Belt?
This is a simple device that is worn typically under clothing. Some b...

Any woman with a chronic medical condition who becomes pregnant requires special care and consideration. With any medication, the question of the risks of the medications versus the benefits is paramount. While a diabetic would no...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is one of the most common neuro-developmental disorders in America. It is characterized by difficulty paying attention...

According to a new study out of Britain, pregnant women should be vaccinated against pertussis, or whooping cough. This falls in line with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the Amer...

We want to keep ourselves and our families free of germs and illness. Manufacturers know this and have developed and marketed a slew of antibacterial products to us. From antibacterial soap, to wipes and sprays, we are a hygiene-n...

It's hardly a secret that most women suffer from aches and pains while pregnant. From the ever-sore back to the cramping of legs, and throbbing of feet, a pregnant woman can feel like life has run her over like a semi-truck.
Besi...

Heading to the beach this summer? There is no reason you shouldn't as long as you remember a few health precautions.
1. Use sunscreen.
Nothing will ruin a beach trip faster than a nasty sunburn. Most people make the same sunscr...

You've heard the downside; higher risks of miscarriage and premature birth, more chance of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, and of course, increased odds of chromosomal disorders. But that is just one side of the story. Here...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 68 children have an autism spectrum disorder. This number is culled from research in 11 US communities in looking at 8 year olds. This is a steep increase from the...

The Food and Drug Administration will be updating its guidelines regarding mercury in seafood, but Commissioner Margaret Hamburg says these updates will not include labeling requirements.
"It's an advisory, not an effort to...

Our immune systems are supposed to protect us from germs and other threats from outside the body. However, when you have an autoimmune disorder, that system develops a glitch where the body confuses itself with outside threats and...

Sex is how we get pregnant, but once we conceive, what happens to our sexuality for those next nine months?Is Sex During Pregnancy Safe?
Sex is typically quite safe during pregnancy, right up until the end. However, there are ex...

It's one of the stand-by, safe to use medications for pregnant women; Tylenol. But now a new study is once again raising questions about just how safe it really is.
A study published in the February 25 edition of JAMA Pediatrics,...

When 35-year-old Lea-Ann Ellison posted photos of herself online last year doing her Crossfit routine, including doing some heavy weight lifting, she became the focus of much intense scrutiny.
Experts threw in their two cents, ge...

We know we have to eat right, get plenty of rest, exercise and take those prenatal vitamins. We get good prenatal care and stop bad habits, like drinking endless cups of coffee, smoking or tipping back the drinks. But perhaps one...

When you're expecting, it's easy to worry about everything. You may be reluctant to take medications even when they are prescribed, you try to avoid sick people and you always buckle up in the car. But have you gotten your flu vac...

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can occur during pregnancy. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, it affects 5 to 8 percent of all pregnancies and is the leading cause of maternal and fetal death and illness. Preeclam...

According to the Raynaud's Association, an estimated 20% of women have Raynaud's Syndrome during their childbearing years. Women are much more likely than men to have the condition. But, does being pregnant with Raynaud's affect a...

Do you have a headache, a backache, or other pregnancy symptom that you need to take a Tylenol for? Hold that thought! You may just need to suffer in silence according to a new study. Ragnhild Eek Brandlistuen, the lead researcher...

The first question that will come to an expectant parent's mind after confirming pregnancy is whether the baby is a boy or a girl. However, finding out the gender isn't merely a matter of asking. You may think it's pretty straight...

The Endocrine Society has issued new guidelines for the management of patients who are trying to conceive and all pregnant patients.
The guidelines recommend women who have been diagnosed with diabetes be tested for gestational...

Exercising during pregnancy has many health benefits for both you and your baby. But did you know, it could also help your baby's brain develop? New research says so. A recent study from the University of Montreal revealed on Nove...

Some things are harder than others to discuss with your doctor: weird smells, habits or embarrassing lifestyle choices number among those but perhaps nothing could be more vital or tougher to discuss than depression during your pr...

Sometimes it seems nature takes the lead in this area, by making it tough to sleep the night through at the end of your pregnancy. How often do you wake up because of leg cramps, indigestion, a full bladder or a backache? This ta...

Pregnancy is no time to eat bon-bons and exercise your option to be lazy. Physical activity is an important part of taking care of yourself and your baby. If you have been a less than stellar example of fitness prior to pregnancy,...

It is estimated that between 50 and 80 percent of pregnant women suffer from back pain. Typically the onset of lower back pain occurs between the fifth and seventh month of pregnancy, but some women will experience it as early as...

On August 20, 2013, a controversial new book was launched on pregnancy and the behaviors we engage in that may or may not be risky to our unborn babies. The book is Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom is Wrong...

According to Science Daily, a study out of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine links poor quality sleep in expectant mothers with disrupted immune system processes and birth complications. The study was published in th...

It's something we all take for granted. There are nine months of pregnancy. Forty weeks. It's OK to go a couple early or late but that's the range. It's established medical fact and something we never even question.
However, a n...

A new study published in the peer-reviewed PLoS One found a connection between a diet where expectant mothers ate oily fish one to three times a week reported lower levels of stress in pregnancy than those who didn't.
The researc...

The next few months are going to be overflowing with heat and sunshine. What's a pregnant girl to do to stay cool? Are there warning signs of getting overheated? Are you at a higher risk for a heat stroke and heat exhaustion becau...

Underweight newborns face a lot of health risks from the start. Nearly all babies born below what is considered a healthy baby weight are kept in neonatal intensive care for observation for the first 24 hours of life, if not more....

We all have expectations of how things will be with your doctor when pregnant. You will agree on the birth plan, have relaxed visits where you have all your questions answered and get supportive advice along the way. Nothing is pe...

Today's expectant mothers in the U.S. have more choices than ever before in the type of birth and the birth attendants. You can deliver at home, at a birthing center or at a hospital. You can have a midwife, an obstetrician, or a...

Thousands of women everyday face what should be a joyous moment in their life with trepidation and fear. Women who do not have health coverage before becoming pregnant may experience questions and doubts like these:
"Will I be in...

Since the 1950s ultrasounds have given medical professionals and parents a glimpse into the womb not to mention baby's first portrait. Since then, we've come a long way with technology advancing into 3-D images and the even newer...

Republican, Democrat or decidedly undecided we all have opinions of the political hot potato that is health care. Love it or loathe it, Obama Care is here and regardless of whether you are happy or fearful, you need to understand...

Two pink lines moved across the screen. You gulp, rub your eyes and look again. "Pregnant?" you think. "Really? I'm pregnant!" you squeal in delight. Hmmm... now what? You never got this far before. What comes next?
Contact your...

A new study published in BJOG: International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology on April 7, 2013 has found no negative impact on children at age 7 who were born to women who were light drinkers during pregnancy.
The study fo...

You knew about the weight gain, stretch marks and morning sickness during pregnancy, but no one told you about the changes in your teeth. You nearly gasped when you saw blood on your toothbrush!
Forming a new life inside your bo...

You don't smoke, but others around you do. Are their unhealthy lifestyles affecting your little bambino? Studies say it's possible. Researchers at the University of Nottingham in the U.K. desired to analyze numerous studies on the...

Do women who experience high levels of stress during pregnancy have a greater risk of delivering a stillborn baby? New research says they do.
A stillbirth is defined as the death of a baby at 20 weeks or more during pregnancy. Re...

Researchers have found correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and low birth weight in babies according to a new report published March 26 in the online BMJ or British...

Diabetes that develops during pregnancy is referred to as gestational diabetes and can affect both your and your baby's health. Routine testing with the Glucose Challenge Test and possibly the Glucose Tolerance Test are perform...

The farthest thing from your mind six weeks postpartum is shoe shopping. But here you are! Your adorable Mary Janes from the last few years are squishing your tootsies. You can't wait until you're home so you can rip off the shoes...

As your waistline begins bulging, you may regret not being in shape before becoming pregnant. However, it's not too late to start an exercise program. Gone are the days when pregnant women were afraid to do anything remotely stren...

During pregnancy, a woman's normal, healthy blood pressure readings can become elevated. Is this a cause for concern about the future health of these women? Some recent medical research says it is.
The American Heart Association'...

As you're out shopping for some baby supplies for your little bambino-to-be, you are stopped in your tracks.
"Ow!" You you shriek in unexpected pain.
A shooting pain just started in your lower back and went straight do...

Racing to the prenatal appointments, tossing and turning during the night, endless trips to the bathroom, extra trips to the refrigerator, cruising the mall for baby gear, clicking and registering online for the cutest baby decor...

While you will temporarily be unable to see them, your feet like virtually every part of your body, will undergo some changes during pregnancy. Most will revert to normal soon after birth, but some may be permanent. All these chan...

"You need to focus on your career now and your family later." "Everyone is having babies in their forties now. It's the new trend!" "You don't want to have a baby too soon into your marriage. A baby would change everything!" "E...

For most couples, sex is fine during pregnancy. Even though many parents worry sex may harm or at least disturb their baby, the truth is baby will be unfazed by it, or possibly even rocked to sleep by the motion. And don't worry a...

During the nine months of pregnancy, some women may become depressed. Hormone changes, unplanned pregnancies, less than desirable income and relationships can all overwhelm a pregnant mother and cause her to become regularly dishe...

A new study out of Denmark has made a compelling link between the flu or fevers and the onset of autism spectrum disorders. The study which was headed by researchers from the University of Aarhus in Denmark along with Diana Shend...

Depression during pregnancy is a tricky topic for mothers and their physicians. There are risks and benefits on both sides of the equations. While certain drugs are definitely off-limits for pregnant women due to risks of fetal ha...

After the grand finale of labor, birth and delivery women across the globe brace for "the baby blues." Since it's quite common older generations have already forewarned the soon-to-be emotionally unbalanced mothers of th...

Many women have difficulty getting the answers they want at their prenatal visits. For some it's simply a matter of memory; they forgot what they wanted to ask about once inside the exam room. For others, it's a problem speaking o...

You've probably taken a home pregnancy test. Maybe a few of them. You know prenatal care is vital for you and your unborn child's health, but when exactly do you schedule that first visit and what will happen that time and every t...

Pregnancy acne isn't an actual separate condition. It is just plain acne but many women experience such heightened levels of break outs that it seems to be a specialized form.
Of course, the blame goes to hormones which lead to o...

More than half of all pregnant women suffer from back pain at some point in their pregnancies. While the obvious heavy load of baby is one reason for back pain, there are other contributing factors as well.
Hormones play a role,...

Coffee drinkers know having a pot of java brewing is not a good idea while expecting. But what about tea, even herbal teas? Are some OK? Could some even be dangerous for pregnant women?
Black Tea, Green Tea and Oolong Tea
Thes...

When first pregnant you may be hypersensitive to every symptom and concerned what each twinge or ache means. Is it normal or ominous? Should I rest and wait for it to pass, or call the doctor? Do I forgot the call and head straigh...

You may want to eat for two and rest for the next nine months, but pregnancy is no time to get lazy. Exercising will help reduce your risk for pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and will also help...

Any parent knows just how important health care and insurance is to a family. The stress of keeping your family cared for and adequately covered weighs heavily on parents.
The new Affordable Care Act should ease some of that bu...

Choosing whether or not to treat depression during pregnancy with medications is a delicate balancing act in deciding what the specific risks and potential benefits of such treatment may be for both mother and child.
Antidepress...

Getting a good night's sleep has never been more important than it is during pregnancy. Not only do you need that extra rest to help your body prepare for labor and delivery, but you may not get a lot of sleep for several month...

A study out of Denmark published this week (June 20, 2012) in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that low to moderate weekly alcohol consumption during early pregnancy had no adverse neuropsychologic...

Today's expectant mothers have more choices when it comes to prenatal care and childbirth. One of the biggest choices is deciding on a health care provider for your pregnancy and delivery.
There is no one right answer for every...

We've all been there; you are ready to ask a laundry list of questions, but as soon as the doctor knocks at the exam door, your mind goes blank. Call it white-coat amnesia, pregnancy fog or simple fatigue, but it can be challengin...

So you have taken the test and got a positive result? What happens now?
1. See your doctor. If you haven't already, make an appointment with your health care provider. You can see your regular family practitioner if they handle...

According to the American Cancer Society, the Skin Cancer Foundation, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tanning--inside or outside--is not safe, regardless of whether you are pregnant. In fact, ask any medical he...

Body art has become more popular and commonplace in the past decade, and recent years have seen a trend develop in which expectant mothers celebrate, recognize, and document their impending motherhood by acquiring a tattoo--possib...

If you are pregnant or considering pregnancy, it is important to quit smoking as soon as you can. Even if you are not pregnant or considering it, smoking can significantly increase your risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease. I...

If you plan to take a trip while you are pregnant, you have probably given some thought to the safety of airport body scanners, the latest technology TSA (Transportation Security Administration) uses to screen passengers and dete...

Melasma, also called the mask of pregnancy, actually affects more than just pregnant women. Even men can get this skin condition as well as those receiving hormone treatments or taking birth control pills or injections. The hormon...

Stretch marks are a badge of honor for women who have given birth, at least for half of them. These long marks on the skin vary in color, from pinks to browns or silvers. The shade depends to the most part, on your skin tone. Most...

Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion. It's that time of year again. But if you're pregnant or have a little one, flu season brings with it another draining side effect - worry. Many new or expectant mothers ask "Shoul...

According to several studies over the previous several years, BPA or bisphenol-A exposure can lead to a variety of serious health concerns including cancers and infertility. BPA exposure is especially dangerous for pregnant women...

Pregnancy is a thrilling time for both you and your partner. But the early joy of watching your body change and develop with your growing baby can turn into a struggle to stay healthy and fit in the second and third trimester, if...

It seems every other pregnant celebrity is 40 or older yet you hear that it's all but impossible to conceive past 35. Do celebrities have extra special eggs or is reality somewhere between miraculous and common?
Pregnant After 4...

You've found out it's true; you're going to be a mother and now your mind is jumbled with thoughts of changes you need to make. Where do you start and what's truly important for to avoid or start in order to give baby the best beg...

Not all the lifestyle changes you make when you find out you're pregnant are eliminating negatives. Some changes involve starting positive routines that will benefit baby, and you.
Take Your Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins...

Being pregnant in the summer months poses some unique challenges for expectant mothers. Some tips for summer are for comfort while others are to protect you and your growing baby.
Keep hydrated. Pregnant women are especially...

Blood Pressure Basics
Blood pressure measures how hard blood presses against your artery walls as it pumps through your body. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers. The top number, or systolic, measures during the body's pu...

You've done the home pregnancy test. Perhaps multiple home pregnancy tests and have come to the unmistakable conclusion; you are pregnant. After telling the important people in your life and shedding tears, hopefully of joy, it's...

People used to believe that pregnant women were fragile and that exercise could harm or steal nutrients from the developing baby. It was also feared that women could bring on premature labor by being physically active. We now know...

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder, and is caused when the developing fetus has an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. Pregnant women often undergo screening for Down's syndrome typically a blood test done in the...

To drag your body up to do anything when you're pregnant is hard enough, but to be motivated to exercise - get outta here!! Pregnancy is a time for sitting comfortably on the sofa with your feet firmly OFF the ground and your hand...

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard about the H1N1 pandemic that is spreading across the country. You probably have questions and concerns, especially if you are pregnant or if you have small children. Wh...

I know how exciting it is to finally hear the news that you're going to have a baby. I'm sure there are many questions going through your head about keeping you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy. I've gathered a few...

3D and 4D ultrasounds seem to be all the rage as excited parents clamor for the first glimpse of their baby. Many of these same parents do not understand what an ultrasound actually is or what risks are involved. If you are co...

During pregnancy some women radiate the glow of pregnancy and their complexions
even out. The reason for this is because of increased blood circulation and the
existence of high levels of the pregnancy hormone oestrogen. A luc...

Being fit while pregnant has multi-fold benefits for both mother and child. Exercise keeps your calories burning, and gaining too much weight causes a number of problems for moms and babies, setting both up for an increased risk o...

There are many benefits for women who wish to exercise through their pregnancy.
Exercise can:
Increase energy levels
Help prevent feelings of discomfort, clumsiness, and unattractiveness
Improve circulation, reduce...

Q I am a very fit newly pregnant woman. I am in between my fifth and sixth week and have been continuing to exercise regularly. However, I am about getting overheated. I went for a jog/hike this afternoon when the temperatures wer...

I am going through my first pregnancy and I am worried about the emotions I will be experiencing.
Congratulations on your first pregnancy! Everyone experiences different emotions as they go through pregnancy. The initial reactio...

Q What do you suggest doing for depression while pregnant? I am 24 years old with two children, a 2 year old and a 1 year old. I have been feeling really down lately. Could you give me some advice? Thank you. A I do not know your...

Q I was wondering how do I know when I may have conceived and can the doctor do an ultrasound to see how old the baby is and it show up when I conceived? A You will know when you conceive, when you miss your period. Then you can g...

Q There is a remote possiblity that I might be pregnant and I have to have my wisdom teeth out. I was wondering if the drugs Cephalexin and Dexamethasone would affect the fetus. A It is always better to not have x-rays, surgery,...

Q What are the odds of having twins (without having them run in the mom's family?) What are the odds of having twins if you're over 35 years of age? A The odds of having twins in the general population are 1 in 70 to 1 in 90. Of c...

Q I'm 22 years old and married. Me and my husband are planning to have kids. But I'm afraid because during my college days I use to smoke, will it effect my embrio? I'm really afraid of this matter,can you please kindly advice wha...

Q I just found out I am pregnant this morning. I wonder if I can still vacuum the house and rollerblade while pregnant. A The standard rule is that you can do (almost) anything after you get pregnant that you did before you got pr...

Q I am 22 years old and am currently 10 weeks pregnant. This is my seventh pregnancy. I had a miscarriage in February, and it was very bad. I started bleeding too much and lost conscience more than three times. How at risk am I fo...

Q What are the risks associated with birth after 35 years? A The risk of the baby having Downs syndrome rises with maternal age. That is why amniocentisis (a test in which a needle is inserted into the mother's abdomen to gather...

When conception occurs, the body begins a remarkable change. Much of these changes occur over the duration of nine months. Hormones are the main catalyst for the changes. The hormones are like little chemical messengers that run t...

Question: Is it safe to dye your hair during pregnancy?
Answer: Historically, physicians advised women against dying their hair while pregnant because it was thought to be potentially harmful to the fetus. However, today it is...

If you ask a pregnant woman about her sex drive during pregnancy, you may be surprised to hear that she wanted sex more while she was pregnant. To many women, sex feels more pleasurable, and they feel their pregnant bodies are be...

For most women, sex during pregnancy is safe. Unless your physician directs you otherwise, you and your partner can continue to have an active and full sex life. The baby is safely cushioned in an amniotic fluid-filled sac and un...

So, everyone tells you you're eating for two. The only problem is, you can't keep enough food down for one. Have you considered using ginger?
Ginger has long been used as a remedy for nausea, morning sickness, and menstrual cra...

Morning sickness is one of the most common, and troublesome symptom of pregnancy. Typically it begins around the 4th to 6th week of pregnancy, and doesn't lighten up until the second trimester begins. However, for some it ends wit...

If you are not already immune to chicken pox and you are exposed to it during your pregnancy, there is cause for concern. According to Dr. William Sears in his book, The Pregnancy Book: A Month-by-Month Guide, most women are immun...

CARLSBAD, Calif. -- December 14, 1999. Woodside Biomedical, Inc. has received United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance to market its ReliefBand Device as a new drug-free, non-invasive prescription treatment for...

Yoga has been around for centuries and in some cultures, it is considered the only option for pregnant women.
Yoga is a practice - learned relaxation, breathing and exercise to help people to center, relax and strengthen them...

Pregnancy has it's ups and downs. Given the initial excitement of finding out the good news, most women are in for a little shock when it comes to quality of sleeping. Pregnancy can take it's toll on those nighttime zzzz's. Here a...

Cigarette smoking is one of the most dangerous activities encountered during pregnancy. It is also the largest preventable cause of death and illness among American women in general. It is estimated that over 22 million women in t...

Okay, so last January's New Year's resolution to stay fit went out the window, and now you're pregnant! Before you throw caution to the wind and eat another quart of Java Chip, remember that the extra weight you gain now is still...

Cigarette Smoke Whether firsthand or secondhand smoke, pregnant women serve their babies well by keeping away from it. This isn't some conspiracy against smokers: countless medical studies have reported on the dangers of cigarette...

More than likely, most people you talk to do not know what a birth ball is or what it is used for. A birth ball is a physical therapy ball that helps women get into positions that help labor progress. It's also great to sit on one...

Pregnant? Thinking about a summertime get-away? In most cases, travelling in the summertime is completely safe. However, there are some important things for expectant moms to consider. Assuming your pregnancy is uncomplicated, kee...

I spent the full nine months of pregnancy bonding with my baby. For her cerebral stimulation, I played Mozart and read aloud from Ralph Waldo Emerson. I regaled her with stories of a family steeped in history (no sense disillusion...

When you're pregnant, you might worry about everything. "Is this OK to eat?" "Am I doing this too much?" "Should I have more of that?" It can be overwhelming at times. Here are some common concerns an...

Kegel Exercises are those exercises that the doctor and nurses tell you to do. But what are they? Not many women know. Kegel exercises are designed to maintain the tone of the pelvic floor muscles that become weakened by the weigh...

Medicines: Only take drugs when absolutely necessary. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or midwife first. Alcohol:Try to avoid alcohol for the duration of your pregnancy -- and perhaps even while trying to conceive. more... Smok...

Q I am interested in exercises that I can use to prepare my body for pregnancy. Can you help? A I always get so excited when I hear from women who are trying to get in shape *before* pregnancy instead of waiting until they are in...

I believe that the importance of a good doctor-patient relationship is never more necessary than during pregnancy.
I have been through several doctors, and the relationships with each of them differ dramatically. In fact, you c...

The many choices of pregnancy become more involved the further along you are. Undoubtedly by the time you receive your first positive home pregnancy test - you are thinking about who you are going to call - a doctor or a midwife....